Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

MATAM RUTRA

the Rakshasas, he assumed the title of Matamka the Chief of all the Rakshasas. His pride increased, and he proclaimed “ Who is there greater than I ?”

Then Ka&lf again, cleverly excited his ambition and pride, by saying “The Chief of the armies of the Asuras (Lhamin that is “ not Devas”) named Mahakaru, is mightier than you.” Thereupon he invaded the realms of the Asuras, with his demon force, and all the Asuras becoming affected with various terrible maladies were powerless to resist him. The Rutra caught hold of the Asura King by the leg and whirling him thrice round his head flung him into the Jambudvipa where he fell into a place called the Ge-ne-gyad, meaning the place of eight merits. Then those of the Asuras who had not been killed, the eight planets (Grahas) and the twenty-eight constellations (Nakshatras) and their hosts sought refuge in every direction, but failing to obtain safety anywhere, they returned and surrendered themselves to the Demon Matam-Rutra. Then the Asuras guided the Rutra and his forces to a Palace named Bamril-Thod-pamkhar (meaning the Globular Palace like a skull) where they established their Capital. In the centre of this Palace, the Rutra hoisted his banner of Victory. They arranged their dreadful weapons by the side of the Entrance, and the place was surrounded by numerous followers with magical powers, Having thus shewn his own great magical powers, he took up the King of Mountains, Meru, upon the tip of his finger and whirling it round his head, he proclaimed these boastful words, “ Rutra-Matra-Marutra, who is there in this universe greater than myself ? In all the three Lokas, there is none greater than I. And if there be any, him also will I subdue.” ‘To these boastful words KAli answered

“In the thirty-third Deva-Loka and in the happy

celestial regions of the Tushita Heavens,

“ Sitting amidst the golden assembly of disciples,

“Is the Holy Saviour of all beings, Regent of the Devas

(Tampa-Togkar) 387